While numbers remain on par for the time of year, we’ve seen a significant price increase this week.

Weanling bulls from 200kg to 300kg slipped by 20c/kg last week, but have happily rebounded for sellers this week rising to an average of €5.43/kg, up 16c/kg on two weeks ago.

The weight band with the highest number of bulls (300kg to 400kg) saw less of a slip last week, falling by 11c/kg, and jumped by 38c/kg this week, marking a 27c/kg lift over the two weeks.

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On a 350kg bull, this is an increase of €94.50/head – not a bad margin.

Heavier bulls from 400kg to 450kg increased last week by 11c/kg and jumped again this week by 38c/kg, an increase of 49c/kg in a fortnight.

This is an even bigger increase in heavy bulls at €208.25/head in the two-week period.

Of course, this is not a set rule and is based off averages, but a farmer who sold this week as opposed to two weeks ago likely got a better price.

Better weather and exporter activity are the main drivers in price. Exporters are reportedly very active ringside, with finer weather also playing ball with them regarding ship movement, and they seem to be confident in giving top prices for weanling bulls that are meeting their criteria.

Saying this, farmers are going toe to toe with them for top-end calves. There are farmers that like quality stock and no matter the price, they won’t change buying habits.

It can work out well with a lift in beef price, but when we see a downturn, it’s often these buyers that are hit hardest.

Weanling heifers are an improved trade as well. Lighter heifers from 200kg to 3000kg had a slip in price last week but have recovered this week, while 300kg to 400kg heifers are up again by 14c/kg this week after a marginal increase of 2c/kg last week.

When we look at the price for the same time last year, we were seeing marginal increases. Bulls from 300kg to 400kg were averaging €4.58/kg, while the same-weight heifers were clocking in at €4.44/kg.

The same cattle this week are trading at €5.44/kg and €4.89/kg respectively, showing just how hot the weanling bull trade continues to be.

Adult cattle are a little easier with regard increases, with heifers (bar those from 350kg to 400kg) recording a slight slippage in price of 4c to 8c/kg.

Bullocks are the opposite, recording a marginal increase of 2c to 6c/kg – nothing compared with the jump we have seen in weanling price.

Agents are still said to be active for forward beef cattle to shore up supplies for the lag in the coming weeks, with the live ring a solid option for farmers who are between keeping these cattle for feeding or turning them out for a later finish in the summer.

Cull cows reported a positive increase as well this week, especially for higher-end types.

The top third of cows trading through MartBids rings this week sold to an average of €3.80/kg, up 15c/kg in the week, while average-quality lots were up 4c/kg to €3.07/kg.

Both feeder type and finished lots are in demand, with the former being seen again by agents as a means of bolstering supplies in a few weeks.